30th Mar 2012 - 00:00
Abstract
Six middle managers from school catering across the country have become the first to graduate with a new qualification in change management and leadership skills.
The first group of learners to complete their Level 4 course received their certificates from Jane Hurst, School Food Trust Trustee and Andrew Holmes, head chef at the Bistro du Vin, as part of work to improve the range of change management training available for middle managers in the school meals sector. Jeremy Boardman, senior Children's Food Advisor for the charity said: "Professionals in school food had been telling us that the chance to develop stronger skills in change management would really help them to proress their careers. "We worked with StudyFlex to develop this course and we're so pleased to see the first batch of learners now using their skills within their roles. "We want to see a clear career path for managers in school food, as they will be the future leaders of school food provision. They will be the ones feeding our children and helping them to develop good eating habits from an early age." Kristy Quantrell, district manager for Surrey Commercial Services, looks after 38 schools. She said: "I've gained a lot of confidence in my own abilities since I completed the course and I think it's vital to be a good leader in our sector. Without good leadership, the job doesn't get done, we lose employees and those employees will be the leaders of the future so it's our responsibility to help them grow." The training took place over five days and was assessed by a dissertation which examined the qualities required of a middle manager in the school catering sector.